As the first automaker to formally register electric vehicles under the EV category with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), Audi Bangladesh became the first automotive brand in Bangladesh to officially launch battery electric vehicles (BEV).
When it first appeared on the international market a few years ago, the Audi e-tron was among the first electric SUVs, outpacing a number of competitors from both mainstream and premium automakers. Although it is not the largest SUV available, it has a quality appearance and feels that other EVs find difficult to match.
The Audi e-tron's most endearing feature is how these premium SUVs manage to hide the fact that they are entirely electric.
The vehicle shares a 355 horsepower, all-wheel-drive motor with an EPA-estimated range of up to 300 kilometres.
The e-tron may even generate up to 402 horsepower while in Sport mode, but only briefly. Like other SUVs, it has sleek wheels and LED headlights.
Unlike the Tesla Model X, the e-tron has a conventional grille on its front bumper and also has a similar exterior design to other SUVs.
Through its fully operational, state-of-the-art service centre in Bangladesh, the fast-charging hub and staff of master technicians and service advisers who are certified by Audi, Progress Motors Imports Limited (PMIL) also offers complete after-sales assistance.
Starting at Tk1.59 crore, the car will be available at its Audi Dhaka Tejgaon showroom.
For a car of its stature, the pricing looks competitive compared to Range Rover and other German alternatives.
So let's dive in and see what this vehicle has to offer.
Engine and performance
Beneath the e-tron's heavily creased bodywork are two electric motors, one located at the front axle and the other at the rear.
A 95-kWh battery pack situated low on the car's floor supplies power to those electric motors and according to the brochures, around 355 hp and 414 lb-ft of torque are produced by the combined electric motors.
I like the e-tron because it moves quickly in a smooth, unassuming manner. Though it corners in such a way that you can clearly see its almost 2-ton curb weight.
The brakes are powerful enough, but we've noticed that newer EVs have discovered a method to boost driver confidence by improving the pedal itself.
Furthermore, the maximum regenerative braking setting is insufficient to permit real one-pedal driving, in which practically all regular stops can be made by gently releasing the accelerator.
For routine driving circumstances, the steering is precise and sensitive, which makes weaving this EV through traffic simple.
Features and ride comfort
Paired with high-quality materials and fine workmanship, it makes electric mobility a premium experience.
Audi e-tron standard features include Matrix LED headlights, Adaptive Air Suspension, Virtual Cockpit Plus, 20' Audi alloy wheels, privacy glass, panoramic glass sunroof, four-zone climate change control A/C, Leather seats, 360 degree surround view camera and many more.
As you progress through the e-tron's various trim levels and option packages, you can add other luxuries like an improved Bang & Olufsen sound system, a head-up display, and massaging front seats.
The e-tron is a really comfortable machine. On a variation of road surfaces, its air suspension provides a refined and stable ride and the cabin is quiet without feeling like a sensory deprivation chamber.
The luxurious and comfortable seats will appeal to both the driver and the passengers and the quad-zone temperature control system is effective enough to keep everyone happy with their level of comfort.
The fact that Audi didn't cut corners in this area is encouraging because we don't frequently encounter the latter in all-electric SUVs.
Verdict
This car was designed with the goal of realizing Audi's future vision, to achieve net CO2 neutrality by 2050 by significantly reducing CO2 emissions over the following decade.
With the option of a five-year extended warranty, the Audi e-tron will have a two-year manufacturer's guarantee and an eight-year battery warranty.
So, if you're concerned about the battery lasting, you don't need to be, after all, almost all vehicles are gradually moving towards going completely electric anyway.
The Audi e-tron is available at the Progress Motors Imports Limited's (the authorized representative of the Audi brand in Bangladesh) showroom at Tejgaon in the capital.
